Halloween Safety Tips for Pets
Halloween in Folsom brings out the fun: spooky decorations, costumed kids, and the rustle of candy bags all around. But while two-legged ghosts and goblins enjoy the frightful festivities, our four-legged companions might find Halloween more trick than treat. At Blue Ravine Animal Hospital, we want to make sure your pets stay safe, calm, and comfortable this Halloween.
Here are some Halloween pet safety tips from our team to keep the night fun for everyone, furry friends included.
1. Choose Costumes with Care
Yes, your pug makes an adorable hot dog, and your cat makes a very convincing vampire. But not all pets love dressing up. If your pet isn’t a fan of costumes, don’t force it. Comfort and safety come first.
Pet costume tips:
- Make sure costumes are lightweight and don’t restrict movement, vision, or breathing.
- Avoid costumes with small, dangling parts that your pet could chew or swallow.
- Try the costume on in advance. If Milo looks miserable, snap a quick pic and let them go au naturel.
2. Keep Candy Out of Paw’s Reach
This one’s no joke: many Halloween treats are dangerous to pets. Toxic Halloween foods include chocolate, xylitol-sweetened gum and other treats, raisins, and even candy wrappers, which can cause intestinal blockages.
Be sure to:
- Store candy bowls and trick-or-treat stashes well out of reach.
- Remind kids not to share sweets with pets.
- Watch out for dropped candy during and after trick-or-treating.
If your pet gets into something suspicious, don’t wait. Contact the nearest veterinary hospital or the ASPCA’s Poison Control right away.
3. Create a Safe Space During the Spooky Rush
Doorbells, strange voices, and people in masks can turn your home into a haunted house for your pet. Halloween can trigger stress or fear in even the most social animals.
To prevent pet anxiety at Halloween:
- Set up a cozy, quiet room where your pet can relax during the busiest trick-or-treat hours.
- Play calming music or white noise to mask the sounds of visitors.
- Consider a calming pheromone spray or anxiety wrap if your pet is prone to stress.
Some pets even try to bolt out the door. Make sure yours is microchipped and wearing up-to-date ID tags, just in case.
4. Decorate Responsibly
Glowing jack-o’-lanterns and spooky décor may be festive for humans, but they can pose hazards for pets. Curious cats may knock over candles, and dogs might chew on string lights or plastic skeletons. Stick with pet-safe decorations and avoid anything sharp, hot, or easily chewed.
Have a Safe and Happy Howl-o-ween!
With a few precautions and a little planning, your pet can enjoy Halloween safely, whether they’re strutting in costume or chilling in the background. Feel free to contact us if you have more questions about Halloween pet safety or preventing pet anxiety at Halloween, or to schedule your pet’s check-up.